YEP Says, February 23: Dangerous dogs can have no place on our streets

THERE are two ways of looking at the fact that West Yorkshire has seen a dramatic rise in the number of dangerous dogs being seized.

One is to welcome the implication that the police are now more effective at identifying and removing animals that could pose a threat to the public.

The other, less comforting viewpoint is that it means people are still actively seeking to breed and keep dogs that are on the banned list, while others are failing to keep non-banned breeds under control.

The amended Dangerous Dogs Act, which came into effect last May, applies to all dog owners, regardless of the animal’s breed. The biggest change, quite rightly, is that a dog doesn’t have to bite to be deemed dangerous in the eyes of the law.

Then there are those breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier which are illegal to have as pets – and with good reason.

Just over a year ago, pregnant mum Emma Bennett died after being attacked at her home in East End Park by a pair of pitbulls. It was just the latest in a long line of tragic incidents.

It is to be hoped that this increase in the seizure of dangerous dogs makes our streets safer, and that the accompanying rise in prosecutions sends the message that such flouting of the law will not be tolerated, as well as the need for all owners to take their responsibilities seriously.

Too long to wait for this wind fix

FOR Leeds’ tallest building, Bridgewater Place hasn’t covered itself in glory. Far from being a source of pride, it has been a major headache due to the wind tunnel effect it creates, which tragically resulted in the death of Edward Slaney back in 2011.

Since then we have had the ridiculous situation of roads around it having to be closed in strong winds, causing severe disruption.

Finally, a start date for remedial work has been set for this August – but it could still be another year after that before it’s finished. That will be nearly a decade after Bridgewater Place opened – and nearly a decade after its owners knew wind was a major problem.